Bharatsinh Solanki says that the party's MLAs passed a resolution authorising Congress president Rahul Gandhi to pick the CLP leader
More Congress MLAs have staked claim for the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader, even as the party began a two-day meeting of its newly elected legislators to choose its leader in the Assembly on Wednesday afternoon.
The meeting commenced at the party headquarters in Ahmedabad in presence of Gujarat Congress in-charge Ashok Gehlot and ex-Union minister Jitendra Singh, who have been appointed as observers. "The observers held discussions with MLAs and sought their feedback about the new CLP leader. They will meet MLAs individually tomorrow, after which a formal announcement regarding the new leader will be made," state Congress president Bharatsinh Solanki said.
Solanki said that the party's MLAs passed a resolution authorising Congress president Rahul Gandhi to pick the CLP leader. A resolution thanking voters for supporting Congress party in the elections was also passed. While Paresh Dhanani, the MLA from Amreli seat, is seen as the front-runner for being appointed as the CLP leader, at least three other senior MLAs have also staked claim. Kunvarji Bavaliya, MLA from Jasdan seat, pushed his case citing his seniority, and the fact that the party did very well in Saurashtra.
"The party performed very well in Saurashtra and won 30 seats. The CLP leader should be from there. Moreover, looking at the OBC population, which is 52%, of which Kolis account for 27%, I have a strong claim," the former MP and four-term MLA, who is a Koli, told reporters.
Former MP and MLA from Khambhaliya seat, Vikram Madam, also claimed support of 27 to 28 MLAs. "I am seeking the post of leader of opposition. If the party does not accept my candidature, I will offer full support to whoever is selected," Madam said. Ten-term MLA Mohansinh Rathwa, the senior-most legislator in the Assembly, and a natural contender for the post, also said that he would support whoever the party picks as CLP leader. Insiders said that six-term MLA Punja Vansh has also emerged as a potential contender. MLA from Amreli seat, Paresh Dhanani, seen as front-runner for leading the party in the Assembly, said it was for the party to decide who becomes the CLP leader.
"Whoever gets the responsibility, we will work together as Team Congress in the state Assembly," the young MLA, who belongs to the influential Patidar community, said.
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